Testicular infarction and spontaneous scrotal rupture secondary to acute epididymo-orchitis.

Epididymo-orchitis is a common cause of acute unilateral testicular pain. Both infectious or non-infectious causes have been proposed and, rarely, testicular abscess formation and even infarction can occur as a severe complication. We present here a case of acute epididymo-orchitis leading to testicular abscess formation, infarction and spontaneous rupture through the scrotal wall despite appropriate antibiotic treatments. Orchidectomy and partial scrotectomy were performed during surgical exploration for management of the non-viable testis and associated scrotal sinus. Clinical vigilance is important to prevent this complication by close clinical follow up with ultrasonography and even early surgical decompression to prevent testicular loss.

Testicular-sparing excision for benign paratesticular IgG4-related disease.

A 28-year-old male was referred by his local general practitioner due to recurrence of painful right scrotal mass, first noted 8 years prior. The mass was further characterised with ultrasound and then was locally excised via an inguinal approach, sparing the testicle, without any postoperative complication. Immunoperoxidase staining of the excised lesion confirmed paratesticular IgG4-related disease.

The Additive Diagnostic Value of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography to Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Triage in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer (PRIMARY): A Prospective Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is validated for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), although patients with negative/equivocal MRI undergo biopsy for false negative concerns. In addition, 68Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (prostate-specific membrane antigen [PSMA]) may also identify csPCa accurately. OBJECTIVE: This trial aimed to determine whether the combination of PSMA + MRI was superior to MRI in diagnostic performance for detecting csPCa. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective multicentre phase II imaging trial was conducted. A total of 296 men were enrolled with suspected prostate cancer, with no prior biopsy or MRI, recent MRI (6 mo), and planned transperineal biopsy based on clinical risk and MRI. In all, 291 men underwent MRI, pelvic-only PSMA, and systematic ± targeted biopsy. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values (negative predictive value [NPV] and positive predictive value) for csPCa were determined for MRI, PSMA, and PSMA + MRI. PSMA + MRI was defined as negative for PSMA negative Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 2/3 and positive for either MRI PI-RADS 4/5 or PSMA positive PI-RADS 2/3; csPCa was any International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group ≥2 malignancy. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of the patients, 56% (n = 162) had csPCa; 67% had PI-RADS 3-5, 73% were PSMA positive, and 81% were combined PSMA + MRI positive. Combined PSMA + MRI improved NPV compared with MRI alone (91% vs 72%, test ratio = 1.27 [1.11-1.39], p < 0.001). Sensitivity also improved (97% vs 83%, p < 0.001); however, specificity was reduced (40% vs 53%, p = 0.011). Five csPCa cases were missed with PSMA + MRI (four ISUP 2 and one ISUP 3). Of all men, 19% (56/291) were PSMA + MRI negative (38% of PI-RADS 2/3) and could potentially have avoided biopsy, risking delayed csPCa detection in 3.1% men with csPCa (5/162) or 1.7% (5/291) overall. CONCLUSIONS: PSMA + MRI improved NPV and sensitivity for csPCa in an MRI triaged population. Further randomised studies will determine whether biopsy can safely be omitted in men with a high clinical suspicion of csPCa but negative combined imaging. PATIENT SUMMARY: The combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) + prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography reduces false negatives for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) compared with MRI, potentially allowing a reduction in the number of prostate biopsies required to diagnose csPCa.

Malignant ascites following radical nephrectomy for cystic renal cell carcinoma.

A 69-year-old man with a history of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for papillary renal cell carcinoma presented with a 1-week history of generalised abdominal pain, distension and loss of appetite. Clinical examination and CT imaging demonstrated ascites associated with peritoneal nodules, raising the possibility of metastatic disease. Immunochemistry staining from ascites fluid cytology confirmed renal cell carcinoma. Following multidisciplinary discussions, the patient was commenced on a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen theranostics in advanced prostate cancer: an evolving option.

OBJECTIVES: To review current data for the role of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand therapy (RLT) for patients with advanced prostate cancer. This review provides an update for multidisciplinary teams on the current and potential future applications of theranostics in prostate cancer. METHODS: Narrative review focussing on PSMA as a target for RLT, and data using RESULTS: RLT with PSMA is an exciting therapeutic alternative to the existing management options already in use for patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To date, most evidence exists regarding small-molecule PSMA inhibitors bound to beta-emitting radioisotopes such as 177Lu (Lu-PSMA). Prospective phase II data supports the safety and efficacy of Lu-PSMA in men with heavily pre-treated progressive mCRPC, and several late-phase randomised trials of Lu-PSMA are underway, with many more in the pipeline. Early results are encouraging, indicating that the theranostic approach may play a vital role in management of advanced prostate cancer and perhaps even in much earlier disease states. CONCLUSIONS: PSMA RLT is a promising new treatment option for men with mCPRC, and may also have utility in less advanced prostate cancer.

Protocol for the PRIMARY clinical trial, a prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study of the additive diagnostic value of gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron-emission tomography/computed tomography to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnostic setting for men being investigated for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Primary objectives: To determine the additive value of gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission topography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) when combined with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men undergoing initial biopsy for suspicion of PCa, and to determine the proportion of men who could have avoided prostate biopsy with positive mpMRI (PI-RADS ≥3) but negative PSMA-PET/CT. Secondary objectives: To determine the proportion of men who had csPCa detected only by PSMA-PET/CT or only by systematic prostate biopsy; to compare index lesions by template biopsies vs targeted lesions identified on mpMRI or PSMA-PET/CT; to assess whether there may be health economic benefit or harm if PSMA-PET/CT is incorporated into the diagnostic algorithm; and to develop a nomogram which combines clinical, imaging and biomarker data to predict the likelihood of csPCa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The PRIMARY trial is a multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional study that meets the criteria for level 1 evidence in diagnostic test evaluation. PRIMARY will investigate if a limited (pelvic-only) PSMA-PET/CT in combination with routine mpMRI can reliably discriminate men with csPCa from those without csPCa. We conducted a power calculation based on pilot data and will recruit up to 600 men who will undergo PSMA-PET/CT (the index test), mpMRI (standard test) and transperineal template + targeted (PSMA-PET/CT and/or mpMRI) biopsies (reference test). The conduct and reporting of the mpMRI and PSMA-PET/CT will be blinded to each other. RESULTS: The PRIMARY trial will measure and compare sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of both mpMRI and PSMA-PET/CT vs targeted prostrate biopsy. The results will be used to determine the proportion of men who could safely avoid biopsy without compromising detection of csPCa. Furthermore, we will assess whether there is a health economic benefit in incorporating PSMA-PET/CT into the diagnostic algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: This trial will provide robust prospective data to determine the diagnostic ability of PSMA-PET/CT used in addition to mpMRI. It will establish if certain patients can avoid biopsy in the investigation of PCa.

Indirect Comparisons of Efficacy between Combination Approaches in Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: There have been substantial changes in the management of men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) over the past 5 yr, with upfront combination therapies replacing androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) alone. A range of therapies have entered the space with no clear answer regarding their comparative efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to characterise the comparative efficacy of combination approaches in men with mHSPC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched multiple databases and abstracts of major meetings up to June 2019 for randomised trials of patients receiving first-line therapy for metastatic disease, a combination of ADT and one (or more) of taxane-based chemotherapy, and androgen receptor-targeted therapies. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and we evaluated progression-free survival as a secondary outcome. We performed subgroup analysis based on the volume of disease. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We found seven trials that met our eligibility criteria using either docetaxel, abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, or apalutamide in combination with ADT. All agents in combination with ADT were shown to be superior to ADT alone; enzalutamide + ADT had the lowest absolute hazard ratio compared with ADT only (hazards ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.75), and an estimated 76.9% probability that it is the preferred treatment to prolong OS compared with other combination treatments, or with ADT alone. Enzalutamide appeared to have better OS compared with docetaxel in men with low-volume disease, but there was no difference in other comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with any of docetaxel, abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, or apalutamide provides a significant OS benefit when compared with ADT alone. We did not identify significant differences in OS between different combination therapies. Subtle differences between these options provide clinicians considerable flexibility when selecting options for individual patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: Many men with metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer should be managed with upfront combination therapy instead of androgen-deprivation therapy alone. Clinicians may consider many factors during the decision-making process, and thus management should be tailored for patients individually.

Prediction of pathological stage at radical prostatectomy: do commonly used prostate cancer nomograms apply to men from Far North Queensland?

BACKGROUND: Clinical nomograms are routinely used by urologists to predict pathological and clinical outcomes. Commonly used prostate cancer nomograms include Partin's tables and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) nomograms which were developed in high-volume centres in the United States. We aimed to assess whether these tools are valid for prostate cancer patients in Far North Queensland. METHODS: All patients undergoing radical prostatectomy in Cairns between August 2014 and September 2017 were identified. Preoperative data were entered into the online nomogram tools. The predicted probability of organ-confined (OC) disease, extra-prostatic extension (EPE) and seminal vesical invasion was compared to the observed outcomes. RESULTS: Preoperative clinical information was available for 290 patients. Partin's tables accurately estimated OC disease, EPE and seminal vesical invasion with the observed outcome plot overlying the ideal correlation curve. More patients in our cohort had OC disease than was predicted by the MSKCC nomogram; fewer patients had EPE that was predicted by the MSKCC nomogram. On logistic regression modelling, the area under the curve for MSKCC and Partin's were 0.751 and 0.706, respectively, suggesting both tests have good performance in predicting final pathological outcome for our population of patients with no statistical difference between the two nomograms (P = 0.29). CONCLUSION: The MSKCC preoperative nomogram and Partin's tables were both able to accurately predict pathological outcomes from preoperative clinical information in men from Far North Queensland, despite likely differences in population genetics and environmental exposures.

Chorioamnionitis Occurring in Women With Preterm Rupture of the Fetal Membranes Is Associated With a Dynamic Increase in mRNAs Coding Cytokines in the Maternal Circulation.

BACKGROUND: Preterm prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes (PPROM) is a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality of preterm birth, particularly in the setting of chorioamnionitis. No sensitive or specific diagnostic or predictive test currently exists for the accurate diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Our aim was to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) coding cytokines in the maternal blood and examine whether they were increased in association with chorioamnionitis at delivery. METHODS/RESULTS: We performed a prospective cohort study of women recruited with PPROM at a mean gestational age of 28.9 weeks at risk of developing chorioamnionitis. Blood was sampled from participants, and the expression of mRNA coding for proinflammatory genes was measured in women with and without chorioamnionitis at the time of delivery as well as gestation-matched healthy controls. Expression was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and also digital PCR. Interleukin 1ß (IL1B) mRNA expression in maternal blood was elevated in women with chorioamnionitis compared to gestation-matched controls. Importantly, among women admitted with PPROM, digital PCR confirmed a significant increase in IL1B expression in maternal blood in women with chorioamnionitis compared to women without chorioamnionitis. Polymerase chain reaction array revealed that CD14, nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 1 (NFKB1), and tumor necrosis factor receptor super family-interacting serine-threonine kinase 1 mRNA were significantly increased in women with chorioamnionitis compared to controls. Digital PCR confirmed that NFKB1 mRNA was significantly increased in patients with chorioamnionitis compared to controls and that CD14 levels increased over time in patients with PPROM having chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSION: Measuring circulating proinflammatory mRNA in women with PPROM may distinguish those with chorioamnionitis from those without, in turn providing better targeted therapies and appropriate timing of delivery.

Preservation of the neurovascular bundles is associated with improved time to continence after radical prostatectomy but not long-term continence rates: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The aetiology of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy (RP) is incompletely understood. In particular, it is unclear whether there is a relationship between neurovascular bundle (NVB) sparing and post-RP urinary continence. OBJECTIVE: To review systematically the association of NVB sparing in RP with postoperative urinary continence outcomes and synthesise the results in a meta-analysis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched (December 2013), yielding 3413 unique records. A total of 27 longitudinal cohort studies were selected for inclusion. Studies were evaluated using a predefined criteria adapted from the Cochrane Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Cohort Studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Data from 13 749 participants in 27 studies were synthesised in a meta-analysis. An assessment of the study methodology revealed a high risk of bias due to differences in baseline characteristics, outcome assessment, and the likely presence of unreported confounding factors such as meticulous apical dissection. Meta-analysis demonstrated that nerve sparing (NS) compared with non-nerve sparing (NNS) resulted in improved early urinary continence rates up to 6 mo postoperatively. Beyond this time, no significant difference was observed. This effect was seen most clearly for bilateral NS compared with NNS. A sensitivity analysis of prospective cohort studies revealed consistent results. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates an association between NS and improved urinary continence outcomes up to 6 mo postoperatively. NS in men with poor preoperative erectile function should be considered in the context of oncologic risk stratification because it may improve time to continence recovery. The underlying cause of the relationship between NS and continence is unknown. It may represent preservation of the intrapelvic somatic nerves supplying the rhabdosphincter or the influence of other confounding factors. Future research should be directed towards improving understanding of the anatomy of urinary continence and the pathophysiology of post-RP incontinence. PATIENT SUMMARY: We found that avoiding damage to the nerves around the prostate improves urinary continence in the first 6 mo after surgery. After this time, there is no difference in continence between men who had these nerves removed and those who had them saved. This finding could be due to a true effect of saving these nerves or to a number of other factors affecting the research.

Is yttrium-90 radioembolization a viable treatment option for unresectable, chemorefractory colorectal cancer liver metastases? A large single-center experience of 302 patients.

INTRODUCTION: We report the largest series to date on the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization for the treatment of unresectable, chemorefractory colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). METHODS: A total of 302 patients underwent resin-based 90Y radioembolization for unresectable, chemorefractory CRCLM between 2006 and 2013 in Sydney, Australia. All patients were followed up with imaging studies at regular intervals until death. Radiologic response was evaluated with the response criteria in solid tumors criteria. Clinical toxicities were prospectively recorded. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and potential prognostic variables were identified on univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Median follow-up in the complete cohort was 7.2 months (range 0.2-72.8), and the median survival after 90Y radioembolization was 10.5 months with a 24-month survival of 21%. On imaging follow-up of 293 patients who were followed up beyond 2 months, complete response to treatment was observed in 2 patients (1%), partial response in 111 (38%), stable disease in 96 (33%), and progressive disease in 84 (29%). Four factors were independently associated with a poorer prognosis: extensive tumor volume, number of previous lines of chemotherapy, poor radiological response to treatment, and low preoperative hemoglobin. One hundred fifteen (38%) developed clinical toxicity after treatment; most complications were minor (grade I/II) and resolved without active intervention. CONCLUSIONS: 90Y radioembolization is a safe and effective treatment for unresectable, chemorefractory CRCLM.

Preoperative atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of worse early and late outcomes after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation (pre-op AF) on early and late mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent concomitant atrial arrhythmia surgery/ablation were excluded. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients with and without pre-op AF. The independent association of pre-op AF on early mortality, perioperative complications, and late mortality was determined. RESULTS: Isolated CABG surgery was performed in 21,534 patients; 1312 (6.1%) presented with pre-op AF. Pre-op AF patients were older (mean age, 71 years vs. 65 years, p<0.001) and had more comorbidities reflected in a higher additive EuroSCORE (8.4±3.5 vs. 6.5±3.2, p=0.001). Even after accounting for confounding factors, however, pre-op AF was associated with a 63% increase in 30-day mortality [4.2% vs. 1.4%; hazard ratio (HR), 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-2.29; p=0.004] and 39% increase in late mortality (5-year survival, 78% vs. 90%; HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20-1.61; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pre-op AF is an independent predictor of poor early and late outcomes. Pre-op AF should be considered, therefore, in the development or update of risk stratification models for CABG surgery.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization is a safe and effective treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a single centre experience of 45 consecutive patients.

INTRODUCTION: There is controversy regarding the role of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization in the management of advanced, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients underwent resin-based 90Y radioembolization for unresectable, HCC between 2006 and 2013 in Sydney, Australia. All patients were followed up with imaging studies at regular intervals until death. Radiologic response was evaluated with the Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Clinical toxicities were prospectively recorded. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and potential prognostic variables were identified on univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Follow-up in the complete cohort was 7.8 (range, 0.1-41.8) months. The median survival after 90Y radioembolization was 27.7 months with a 36-month survival of 26%. By RECIST criteria of the 40 patients followed-up beyond 2 months, a complete response (CR) to treatment was observed in 1 patients (3%), partial response (PR) in 18 (45%), stable disease (SD) in 11 (22%) and progressive disease (PD) in 10 (25%). On multivariate analysis only radiological response to treatment was independently associated with improved survival: CR/PR to treatment vs. SD vs. PD; p < 0.001. Thirteen patients (29%) developed clinical toxicity after treatment; all complications were minor (grade I/II) and resolved without active intervention. CONCLUSION: Radioembolization with 90Y is a safe and effective treatment for unresectable HCC.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization for unresectable, chemoresistant breast cancer liver metastases: a large single-center experience of 40 patients.

INTRODUCTION: There are a paucity of data on the treatment of unresectable, chemoresistant breast cancer liver metastases (BRCLM) with yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization. METHODS: Forty patients underwent resin-based Y90 radioembolization for unresectable, chemoresistant BRCLM between 2006 and 2012 in a single institution. All patients were followed up with imaging studies at regular intervals as clinically indicated until death. Radiologic response was evaluated with the Response Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Clinical toxicities were prospectively recorded as per the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and potential prognostic variables were identified on univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Follow-up was complete in all patients. The median follow-up was 11.2 (range 0.6-30.5) months and the median survival after Y90 radioembolization was 13.6 months, with a 24-month survival of 39 %. On imaging follow-up of 38 patients who survived beyond 1 month of treatment, a complete response (CR) to treatment was observed in two patients (5 %), partial response (PR) in 10 patients (26 %), stable disease (SD) in 15 patients (39 %), and progressive disease (PD) in 11 patients (29 %). Two factors were associated with an improved survival on multivariate analysis: CR/PR to treatment (vs. SD vs. PD; p < 0.001) and chemotherapy after radioembolization (vs. no chemotherapy; p = 0.004). Sixteen patients (40 %) developed clinical toxicity after treatment; all complications were minor grade I/II and resolved without active intervention. CONCLUSION: This study provides supportive evidence of the safety and efficacy on Y90 radioembolization for the treatment of unresectable, chemoresistant BRCLM. Further prospective investigation is required to assess the suitability of this treatment in this population.

Extraprostatic extension into periprostatic fat is a more important determinant of prostate cancer recurrence than an invasive phenotype.

PURPOSE: Although micrometastasis development correlates closely with the depth of invasion of many tumor types, it is unclear whether invasion into but not through the prostatic pseudocapsule has a negative impact on prognosis, similar to extraprostatic extension. We defined the impact of pseudocapsular invasion on the risk of post-prostatectomy biochemical recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with pT2-3a prostate cancer were identified from a prospectively recorded database. Those with pT2 disease were categorized according to pseudocapsular invasion presence or absence. The impact of pseudocapsular invasion on biochemical recurrence was determined by univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: In a cohort of 1,338 patients we identified 595 with organ confined cancer positive for pseudocapsular invasion. Compared to tumors without evidence of invasion, pseudocapsular invasion was positively associated with higher Gleason grade and tumor volume (1.2 vs 1.9 cc, each p<0.001). On univariable analysis there was no difference in biochemical recurrence-free survival between patients with vs without pseudocapsular invasion, although those with extraprostatic extension had significantly lower biochemical recurrence-free survival (p<0.001). This was confirmed on multivariable analysis, which revealed that extraprostatic extension was a significant independent predictor of biochemical recurrence (HR 1.53, p=0.018). The presence of pseudocapsular invasion had no effect (HR 0.81, p=0.33). CONCLUSIONS: Pseudocapsular invasion is not a pathological feature associated with an adverse outcome after prostatectomy. Thus, the depth of tumor invasion is not a continuum of risk and access to periprostatic adipose tissue is a more important determinant of disease behavior than an invasive phenotype.